By Carloyn Stiffler, Board President, Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS®
A recent study shows that 84 percent of New Yorkers believe homeownership is a very significant part of achieving the American Dream. This was just one of the findings of a homeownership study conducted this year by the Siena Research Institute, in partnership with the New York State Association of REALTORS®. The study found that nearly all homeowners (97%) are satisfied with owning their own home.
History has shown that over the long term homeownership can provide a solid financial return, helps to build stable communities, and makes our community a great place to live and raise families. There are many good reasons to buy a home today, including record low mortgage rates and having a place to call your own.
Homeowners deserve the continued support of government through the mortgage interest deduction and incentives like the recent tax credit. REALTORS® and homeowners must continue to work together to support public policies that promote responsible, sustainable homeownership.
Building a healthy housing market with active buying and selling, while promoting responsible lending, is critical to creating and maintaining a healthy and stable economy and the future wellbeing of our community.